Into 4x4 Trucks??

[slow_hatch]

Having never owned a 4wheel drive truck(only hondas, and a beater '89 2wd Dakota) figured I'd look into buy/building one. Living up here in Dahlonega there are plenty of cool places nearby and have a few friends that have some as well. Going to sell my blue DD EF to fund getting something. I don't want to build something ridiculous, b/c I would still use this as a daily(only like a 20mile commute). Just lift with some bigger tires maybe. At first I was going to look into a smaller truck etc, like a Tacoma, Samurai, etc. But after thinking about it I'd like to have something a bit bigger that I could still use to pull a car on a trailer. Something older maybe, any Input??

[jcbe34]

I used to have a Grand Cherokee with 1-tons, 3 link front, 4 link rear, full 1/4" subframe on 39.5" Iroks.. My only advice to you is to stay away from unibody trucks, like Jeep XJ's and ZJ's. Mine ripped a hole in the unibody at the steering box and it was DONE.

A good truck to start with would be a '86 or earlier Toyota pickup or 4runner. '86 was the last year of the solid axle and the aftermarket support is HUGE for these trucks. Don't be a poser by lifting an IFS truck and putting gay ass brush guards all over it with the spare on the roof, that is considered "rice" in that community. If you want something bigger look for an old Jeep wagoneer, they have decent axles, bulletproof motors and a frame. You can run 37's with a spring over, small lift and some fender cutting.

Go to Pirate4x4.org and do research.. Don't post, just read. There are a lot of people on that site who really know their shit so take what you will and make a decision from there. It is not a cheap hobby though to say the least.

[ATLSRT8]

I used to have a Grand Cherokee with 1-tons, 3 link front, 4 link rear, full 1/4" subframe on 39.5" Iroks..

Pics of Jeep? Sounds badass!

I have been looking into another 4wd vehicle; I am thinkin' an old K5 Blazer or a late 90s Ram.

[jcbe34]

Pics of Jeep? Sounds badass!

I have been looking into another 4wd vehicle; I am thinkin' an old K5 Blazer or a late 90s Ram.

I only have build pictures.. Never took cameras wheeling and it only last 1 summer before it killed itself. Forgot about K5's, they're good trucks but people usually want wayyyy too much $$$ for them

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/jbraswell/Jeep%20Stuff/P1260106.jpg?t=1235341146

Stock axles still:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/jbraswell/Jeep%20Stuff/1006441DSCN1987.jpg?t=1235341263

[NewGen33]

Its a fun activity just pick good lines and know your limits.

[alpine_aw11]

I used to have a Grand Cherokee with 1-tons, 3 link front, 4 link rear, full 1/4" subframe on 39.5" Iroks.. My only advice to you is to stay away from unibody trucks, like Jeep XJ's and ZJ's. Mine ripped a hole in the unibody at the steering box and it was DONE.

A good truck to start with would be a '86 or earlier Toyota pickup or 4runner. '86 was the last year of the solid axle and the aftermarket support is HUGE for these trucks. Don't be a poser by lifting an IFS truck and putting gay ass brush guards all over it with the spare on the roof, that is considered "rice" in that community. If you want something bigger look for an old Jeep wagoneer, they have decent axles, bulletproof motors and a frame. You can run 37's with a spring over, small lift and some fender cutting.

Go to Pirate4x4.org and do research.. Don't post, just read. There are a lot of people on that site who really know their shit so take what you will and make a decision from there. It is not a cheap hobby though to say the least.

Imo the strength of the XJ unibody is pretty underrated, it's a little thin but what happened to you is pretty damn rare. Cherokees have really been starting to show their potential over the past few years. Couldn't agree more with the Tacoma though, if I were to build a trail rig as a truck that would be my first option.

[speedminded]

Just a few that come to mind...
Jeep CJ5
66-77 Bronco
Scout II (Can be difficult to find parts)
Toyota FJ60
90-95 Land Rover County Classic (More suspension travel than a H1)
4th Gen Pre-86 [Solid Axle] Toyota Pickup 4x4
1st Gen 84-86 [Solid Axle] 4-Runner


I had a '96 Land Rover Discovery with the 200hp 4.0L V8 (vs. the '94-95 w/ the Buick V8 bored out to 3.9L). I was never a fan of the body style until I got to really see the stock suspension articulation...then the looks grew on me. Put it in low and lock the diffs and it would crawl up and over just about anything at low rpm's. Maxxis Mudder Buckshot 245/75-16. I hired a guy in Oregon that made railroad truck springs for a living to fabricate me custom 2" lift springs and 3 months later never received them...order canceled.

Before you even think it, I was detailing cars then so I kept her SPOTLESS all the time...it was off-road no less than 3 to 4 days a week. I had 4 steel ramps that I would drive it up on at the car wash and spray underneath after every time and then detail the outside, lol! I painted the roof rack and wheels with Dupont wheel paint in graphite...

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n393/speedminded/Land%20Rover/Rover_painted_wheels_rack.jpg

Checking front clearance for new custom fabricated brush guard and winch.
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n393/speedminded/Land%20Rover/Rover_dirt.jpg

After cutting front bumper, 6" more clearance in the front!
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n393/speedminded/Land%20Rover/Rover_cut_bumper.jpg?t=1235393220

I never finished everything I wanted on it because premium went to over $3 p/ gallon and at 13mpg driving 60 miles p/ day lost interest. I want another Land Rover but I'd build an imported Defender 110 for off-road/camping or a '95+ Range Rover and put a Duramax Diesel with Allison transmission in it for a 2wd tow vehicle. :boobies:

[jcbe34]

Ha nice! My dads '01 Series II LE:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3197396687_a115e15444_o.jpg

And as far as XJ/ZJ unibody strength goes.. They are fine to a certain point. But when you start swapping axles and building a link setup that will let it flex like one should you start running into problems. My unibody was reinforced front to back like I said with a full subframe for my upper link mounts.. But I didn't do anything to the front trackbar mount or steering box mounts. I've seen a few rip there, but they are usually pretty serious rigs that do it and mine did it worse that most due to poor geometry in the front. If you are just trying to build a DD/weekend truck then yeah, nothing to worry about there.

[speedminded]

Ha nice! My dads '01 Series II LE:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3197396687_a115e15444_o.jpg

And as far as XJ/ZJ unibody strength goes.. They are fine to a certain point. But when you start swapping axles and building a link setup that will let it flex like one should you start running into problems. My unibody was reinforced front to back like I said with a full subframe for my upper link mounts.. But I didn't do anything to the front trackbar mount or steering box mounts. I've seen a few rip there, but they are usually pretty serious rigs that do it and mine did it worse that most due to poor geometry in the front. If you are just trying to build a DD/weekend truck then yeah, nothing to worry about there.Niceee... Geordie's, errr Jason's, murdered out wagon! :boobies:

[wannab20hatch]

tacoma gets my vote. speaking of taco's i saw chris sunday pullin a samurai with his tacoma. we got a trailer you can use to man if you need to.

sell me your DD hatch.

[FasTech]

I love 4x4's. Not the extreme rock crawling or extreme mud bogging but just a little off road is cool. My dad had a 86 Chevy Custom Deluxe 4 wheel drive. Also a 79 Ford F-150 with a 12 superlift, built 351, and 40 something swampers back in my childhood days. And we've had play toys here and their, like old toyota's etc...

This is the only pic I have of the 86 Chevy. Not much but it was damn nice for what he paid for it. Freshly rebuilt motor, brand new tires, new flowmasters and hooker headers, edelbrock intake and a 750cfm Holley Carb.

[Sam C.]

I say early Land Rover Discovery as well. I have 03 and it kicks ass. A mild lift and tires and you can have a blast.

If you decide to go the LR path checkout Discoweb.org

[NewGen33]

If your going to do it do it right. Buy a 96-02 4runner also known as the third gen.
Reasons:
5vzfe, you wont find a more reliable engine and I'm not exaggerating. The v6 has plenty of power and they can also be found with the TRD SC. These trucks have a awesome resale value thanks a lot to how solid they are.

DD ability, the third gen has the luxury of being a very good trail rig while still maintaining awesome off road capabilities. There are a lot of trim options with everything you could imagine.

Off road, The 4runner has the best ground clearance in its class stock. There's a good percentage that come with the factory R-diff locker. It's been around long enough to where you can find solid aftermarket parts that have been tested and proven for success. The 4runner has a very good size wheel well so you wont have to worry about cutting anything until you get up into the 35" M/T.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m68/neliconcept/IMG_7548.jpg
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=303342
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=303346
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/Disney/waterfall2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b133/ebelen1/DSC00592.jpg
http://www.hunt4steve.com/e/2007/2007-NM-Tank%20Trap02/album/slides/IMG_0582.JPG
http://photos-689.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v82/165/42/39601689/n39601689_31644462_3885.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/tuantran82/4Runner/4Runner01.jpg
A couple sites to check out
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=17585&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist31996.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=17585&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
http://www.yotatech.com/f2/sweet-rigs-120121/

[jcbe34]

meh no solid axle, no care..

If you are looking for a good DD, and not such a serious trail rig, the 4unner would be a good choice.

[The Youngn]

Off-roading is the shit! Went a few times with a buddy and makes me want to get a 4x4 and get out there

[santacruz77]

if your looking to build somthing i have solid axle yota that needs a rebuilt.

[ttman]

so 86 & older 4x4 toyotas have SA both front & back?

A good truck to start with would be a '86 or earlier Toyota pickup or 4runner. '86 was the last year of the solid axle and the aftermarket support is HUGE for these trucks. .

[EJ25RUN]

Has anyone visited the Gwinnett Land Rover dealer?

They have a Defender 110 on the lot that isn't for sale. Shame. I'd love one.

I'm definetly into 4x4 vehicles. My favorites include the Land Cruisers ranging from the FJ40-FJ90, LR Defenders and Range Rover Countys.

I collect the Camel Trophy vids from the 80's to the 90's.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/himynameisdaniel/camel.jpg?t=1236993477

[larossa9]

i rove my randcruiser

[Sam C.]

Has anyone visited the Gwinnett Land Rover dealer?

They have a Defender 110 on the lot that isn't for sale. Shame. I'd love one.

I'm definetly into 4x4 vehicles. My favorites include the Land Cruisers ranging from the FJ40-FJ90, LR Defenders and Range Rover Countys.

I collect the Camel Trophy vids from the 80's to the 90's.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/himynameisdaniel/camel.jpg?t=1236993477

Yes it is a nice truck, I think is #2 or #3 of the NAS D110's. You may know this, but the 83 & 84 D110's are being imported to the US now that they exceed the 25 year exemption. They're a hell of a lot cheaper then the limited NAS D110's you're going find. Granted they may be is worse shape.

Also, if you're really interested there are a some MOD D110 out of Canada that go for pretty cheap compared to the NAS.

[EJ25RUN]

Yes it is a nice truck, I think is #2 or #3 of the NAS D110's. You may know this, but the 83 & 84 D110's are being imported to the US now that they exceed the 25 year exemption. They're a hell of a lot cheaper then the limited NAS D110's you're going find. Granted they may be is worse shape.

Also, if you're really interested there are a some MOD D110 out of Canada that go for pretty cheap compared to the NAS.

Actually i didn't know that. That's good to know.

Does NAS stand for North American spec?

[Captain-Obvious™]

jeep tj, yj, xj, cj...all relatively off road capable stock...and very easily and affordably modified

[Sam C.]

Actually i didn't know that. That's good to know.

Does NAS stand for North American spec?

Yes